Downtown Bellevue Network

Visit Bellevue Washington Offers ‘Tourism Spotlight Luncheon’

Lauren — Fri, 24 May 2013 09:06:13 +0000

Registration is now open for the upcoming Visit Bellevue Washington “Tourism Spotlight Luncheon” in downtown Bellevue.

Visit Bellevue Washington, the city’s official destination marketing organization, will share results of local tourism efforts as well as future plans during the June luncheon. The event aims to show businesses how they can boost the regional economy by attracting visitors.

The luncheon, hosted by Pat Cashman of “The 206″ on KING 5, will include a presentation from the Washington Tourism Alliance. John Morrey, Vice President and Manager of Bellevue-based Expedia.com, will give the keynote speech.

The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, at Meydenbauer Center. Tickets cost $25 each.

Bellevue Arts Museum Fundraising Gala, Artful Evening July 20th

Michael — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:17:55 +0000

Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) will have their annual fundraiser, Artful Evening on July 20^that Hyatt Regency Bellevue. The event raises money for programs and exhibitions at BAM throughout the year. Last year the event raised $1 million breaking all of the previous records for the gala.

Tickets for the event start at $250 and include valet parking. To purchase tickets visit the BAM website. The event will have a silent and live auction just as in the years past. To view items that were available for last years auction visit the BAM website.

Bellevue Towers 3-Bedroom, 3,398 Sq Ft Condo For Sale at $2.18M

Michael — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:00:22 +0000

A 3-bedroom condo at Bellevue Towers on the 31st floor was listed for sale last week. According to the agent listing the property, the home is the only 3-bedroom unit in Bellevue Towers, and one of the largest condos on the market in the region with a total of 3,398 square feet. The views from inside the home include downtown Bellevue, downtown Seattle, the mountains, and Lake Washington.

The home has 2 full size kitchens, 3.25 bathrooms, and 3 parking spaces. The homeowner’s dues are $2,118 per month.

To learn more about the property view the property listing online.

Kemper Development Company Announces $1.2 Billion, 2 Million Square Feet Expansion

Michael — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:28 +0000

According to a press release Kemper Development Company announced that they will go forward with their mixed-use expansion. The project is planned to begin in 2014 and will be completed by fall 2016.

As anticipated the addition will be in the form of retail, hotel, residential, dining, and entertainment. The project is planned to set back Kemper Development Company $1.2 Billion. The project will add 2 million square feet in total. 375,000 square feet will be dedicated to new retail, dining, and entertainment spaces. 700,000 square feet of the plans are dedicated to new Class-A office space. Also as previously announced the project will include a 250-room boutique hotel, and about 500 high-end residential units. The project will include 3,700 parking spaces in two 6-level underground parking garages. And yes, the parking garages will continue to be free.

There has not been any tenant announcements made yet for any of spaces. This release is likely a signal to potential tenants that the plans are official and construction will begin in 2014.

Other interesting facts from the Bellevue Collection press release:

48 consecutive months of sales increases
The Bellevue Collection receives more than 22 million shoppers
Retail sales at $853 per square foot (This is double the International Council of Shopping Center’s industry average)

Young Entrepreneurs Social to Host Fundraiser in Downtown Bellevue

Lauren — Mon, 20 May 2013 02:55:42 +0000

Young Entrepreneurs Social, a Seattle non-profit connecting young entrepreneurs with charities, will host a red-carpet affair to celebrate the launch of its new online platform on Thursday, June 6, at the Bellevue Art Museum in downtown Bellevue.

Young Entrepreneurs Social is launching YESLeaders.org, a web platform encouraging young leaders to connect, share resources, and volunteer in their communities.

The YES Experience Auction Fundraiser will provide guests with a look at the new platform and a chance to network with local young entrepreneurs. The evening will include:

A live bachelor and bachelorette auction
Full access to the Bellevue Art Museum
Red carpet video interviews
Drink tickets
A silent auction

The 7:30-10:30 p.m. event is open to ages 21 and up and cocktail attire is recommended. Tickets are limited with proceeds going toward YESLeaders.org. (Tickets to the event are $45)

Kemper Development Looks To Acquire Fourth Corner

Peter — Thu, 16 May 2013 22:40:47 +0000

At the intersection of Northeast Eighth Street and Bellevue Way, there is one one corner that Kemper Development, owner of the Bellevue Collection, does not own. The Bellevue Collection is a multi-block, mixed-use development that includes the 1.3-million-square-foot Bellevue Square shopping mall. According to the Seattle Business Journal, the company is in talks to acquire an acre on the northwest corner of the intersection. The owner of the parcel is Kaylen Investment, a company owned by the Neumann family.

According to the publication, a spokesperson for Kemper Development acknowledged the talks but declined further comment.

The quarter-block property is currently occupied by a 40,000 sq. ft. retail building and 52 parking spaces.

Current tenants include Cost Plus, a Sleep Country USA mattress store, D’Original jewelers, and HSBC Bank.

If Kemper Devlopment were to aquire this property, what would you like to see developed there?

2013 Bellevue Farmers Market is Back & Celebrates Year 10

Michael — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:42:46 +0000

The Bellevue Farmers Market kicks off its opening day for Thursday markets on May 16th. This year marks the 10th year for the Bellevue Farmers Market. The Market offers a venue for small family farms to sell their farm-fresh produce directly to customers. The non-profit organization has over 50 vendors that participate in the Bellevue Farmers Market.

The Thursday Market will take place at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, just as it has for the last couple of years. Saturday’s location is still to be determined, but is rumored to be north of California Pizza Kitchen.

Support local, fresh foods by getting to the market this season.

Thursday Bellevue Farmers Market
Bellevue Presbyterian Church
1717 Bellevue Way NE (Service Dogs Only)
May 16th – October 10th
3 – 7PM

Saturday Bellevue Farmers Market
Site to be announced
June 8th – November 23rd
3 – 7PM

Looking for more information on the Bellevue Farmers Market including vendors for the season? Visit the official website: bellevuefarmersmarket.org.

Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 17th

Michael — Mon, 13 May 2013 20:27:24 +0000

May is Bike to work month and this upcoming Friday, May 17th is Bike to Work Day.

We have partnered with local Downtown Bellevue bike shop, Gregg’s Cycle to help get us ready for the big day on Friday. Every day this week we’ll be celebrating by hosting trivia and giveaways via our social media channels on Twitter and Facebook.

On Friday to encourage Bike to Work participation we’re going to be giving away some prizes for those that bike to work. Send us a picture of yourself on the bike, or a picture of your bike outside on Friday. Followers on Facebook & Twitter can post photos to our Facebook Page directly, or include @dtbellevue & hashtag #greggscycle2work for a chance to win 1 of 10 Gregg’s Cycle Gift cards. Don’t have a Facebook or Twitter account? That’s fine, too – you can email your picture to info@downtownbellevue.com. The picture doesn’t need to be a piece of art, just give us proof that you rode to work.

Ride on!

Bellevue Club to Host New Orleans-Style Event

Michael — Mon, 13 May 2013 07:51:34 +0000

On Friday, May 17th the Bellevue Club will host a New Orleans style evening event, “The Big Easy.” The event will feature a night full of food, drink and entertainment. Enjoy a full Cajun buffet, palm reader, New Orleans Quintet, and drinks such as “The Gin Fizz.” The New Orleans Quintet, a local favorite has been performing in Pioneer Square every Monday for over 21 years.

The event will take place from 6-9PM. The event costs $75 to attend. Contact Kaarin Keil at 425-688-3384, or email kaarink@bellevueclub if you want to purchase tickets or have questions.

Developer Seeks Input in Designing the Future of Senior Living in Downtown Bellevue

Peter — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:29:26 +0000

Su Development will be conducting focus groups regarding senior living and mixed-age communities on consecutive Wednesdays, May 15th and May 22nd. The May 15th focus group will query seniors or those who may be looking for senior-specific housing options in Downtown Bellevue. The May 22nd session is designed to seek input from family members charged with the responsibility of securing senior housing for family members. As a grateful gesture, dinner will be provided free-of-charge at both focus groups by the developer.

Whether you are a senior contemplating housing, already a resident in a senior community, or just thinking ahead, come share your thoughts. Discussion will include amenities, services, events, culture, design, and other topics to help mold the future of senior living in Downtown Bellevue.

Individuals can register online at www.suresearch.tumblr.com. Space is limited.